Presentation Capture with Automatically Configurable Output

ABSTRACT

A device and method for simultaneously capturing a combination of content video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio, as well as distributing a combination of content video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio to a digital sink via an HDMI connection. Video sources are automatically routed to the digital sink depending on the source configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to presentation capture and morespecifically to devices for capturing media information from apresentation.

2. Background Art

There is currently a drive toward expanding the traditional classroominto online education. Students of the digital age, having grown up withon demand media of all kinds, have an expectation that classroomlectures and notes be similarly available on demand. Additionally, moreand more students are enrolling in distance education programs orinternet based courses which require remotely available lectures andclass materials. Lecture capture, also known as presentation capture, isa major focus of this expansion.

Lecture capture involves the recordation and publishing of classroomlectures and related media. Current solutions are available, howeverthere are continuing efforts to improve their form and functionality.For example, an accurate recreation of the in class environment istantamount for students to get any use out of a captured lecture. Pooraudio and video quality may be incomprehensible to a remote viewer. Evenmarginally inferior reproduction can dissuade a student from viewing arecorded lecture. Given this, capturing high quality content isextremely important and modern media and transmission formats need to besupported.

In addition, more flexibility is desired in presentation capturesystems. Lecture halls and classrooms are not all created equal and donot all share the same uniform resources. For example, some largelecture halls are equipped with modern equipment such as digital videoplayers and laptops, while others may contain more traditional equipmentsuch as microphones and VCR's. Additionally, lecturers and presentershave individual preferences as to what resources they employ during alecture. Some professors may believe in the educational power of thePowerpoint® presentation, whereas law professors rely strictly on theSocratic method and in class dialogues. A presentation capture system isdesired that is flexible enough for many different classroomenvironments and professor preferences.

However, while more flexibility in media capabilities is desired inpresentation capture, users also require simple operation. Certain priorart solutions that employ increased functionality are often high endsystems that require a dedicated staff to deploy and maintain thesesystems. However, it is often the untrained professors that ultimatelyare the end users when recording individual lectures. As such,professors desire an automated lecture capture system that is simpleenough for untrained personnel to use.

Given these concerns there is now a need for an improved lecture capturedevice. Such a device needs to be flexible regarding the inputs andoutputs that it is capable of supporting. Additionally, the operation ofsuch a device should be simple and require little to no training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptionsthat follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Principles of the invention provide devices and methods for capturingand distributing a multimedia presentation. For example, according to afirst aspect, the present invention provides a presentation capturedevice for capturing content audio, content video, presenter audio andpresenter video. The presentation capture device comprises an analogvideo input channel for receiving an analog video signal comprisingcontent video, a digital content input channel for receiving a digitalvideo data stream comprising content video or content video and contentaudio, an analog audio input channel for receiving an analog audiosignal comprising content audio, a microphone input channel forreceiving an analog audio signal comprising presenter audio, a captureoutput channel for transmitting a digital data stream comprising acombination of content video, content audio and presenter audio, adigital content output channel for transmitting a digital data streamcomprising a combination of content video, content audio and presenteraudio to a local sink. The presentation capture device is configured forsimultaneously recording content video, content audio and presenteraudio and outputting the captured content video, content audio andpresenter audio as a digital data stream in a compressed AV format, anddetecting the source of the content audio and content video andautomatically routing a predetermined combination of input channels tothe digital content output channel.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides apresentation capture device for capturing content audio, content video,presenter audio and presenter video. The presentation capture devicecomprises multiple input channels. An analog video input channel isconfigured for receiving an analog video signal comprising content videoand transmitting the analog video signal to a first video switch. Adigital content input channel is configured for receiving a digitalvideo data stream comprising content video and a digital data streamcomprising content video and content audio and transmitting the digitaldata stream to the first video switch. An analog audio input channel isconfigured for receiving an analog audio signal comprising content audioand transmitting the analog audio signal to an audio switch. Amicrophone input channel is configured for receiving an analog audiosignal comprising presenter audio, processing the analog audio signaland transmitting the analog audio signal to an audio mixer. Thepresentation capture device comprises multiple output channels. Acapture output channel is configured for transmitting a digital datastream comprising a combination of content video, content audio andpresenter audio and further comprises a codec for receiving thecombination of content video, content audio and presenter audio andcombining the combination in a digital data stream in a compressed AVformat. A digital content output channel is configured for transmittinga digital data stream comprising a combination of content video, contentaudio and presenter audio to a local sink. The presentation capturedevice further comprises a first video switch configured for receivingcontent video, determining the source of the content video, extractingcontent audio from a digital data stream and transmitting to an audioswitch, and automatically routing a predetermined input channeldepending on the source of the content video. The analog video inputchannel and analog video output channel are automatically routed to thedigital content output channel and the capture output channel when thepresentation capture device detects that the digital content inputchannel is inactive. The digital content input channel and the analogaudio input channel are automatically routed to the digital contentoutput channel and the capture output channel when the presentationcapture device detects that the digital content input channel isreceiving a digital video data stream comprising content video. Thedigital content input channel is routed to the digital content outputchannel and the capture output channel when the presentation capturedevice detects that the digital content input channel is receiving adigital data stream comprising content video and content audio. Thepresentation capture device further comprises an audio switch configuredfor receiving content audio, determining the source of the contentaudio, and automatically routing a predetermined input channel to thedigital content output channel and capture output channel according tothe source of the content audio. The analog audio input channel isautomatically routed to the digital content output channel and thecapture output channel when the audio switch determines that the contentaudio is not received from the first video switch. The digital contentinput channel is automatically routed to the digital content outputchannel and the capture output channel when the audio switch determinesthat the content audio is received from the first video switch.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method forsimultaneously capturing and routing presentation media. The methodcomprises the steps of receiving content video at a first video switchfrom either an analog video input channel or a digital content inputchannel; automatically determining if the digital content input channelis the source of the of the content video, automatically routing theanalog video input channel to a second video switch and a codec if thedigital content input channel is not the source of the content video,automatically routing the digital content input channel to the secondvideo switch and the codec if the digital content input channel is thesource of the content video, transmitting an output of the codeccomprising the content video to a capture output channel and the secondvideo switch; and routing either the output of the first video switch orthe output of the codec to a display via a digital content outputchannel.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a methodfor switching input configuration of a presentation capture device. Themethod comprises the steps of receiving content video from an analogvideo input channel at a first video switch, determining that the sourceof the content video is not a digital content input channel,automatically routing the analog video input channel to a codec and adigital content output channel, capturing the output of the codeccomprising the content video and displaying the output of the digitalcontent output channel, switch to receiving content video from thedigital content input channel at the first video switch, determiningthat the source of the content video is the digital content inputchannel, and automatically routing the digital content input channel tothe codec and the digital content output channel.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least ameliorate one ormore of several problems, including but not limited to limiting userinteraction when selecting the source of input content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an inventive presentation capture device capturing apresentation and routing content to a local sink, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the front panel of the inventive presentation capturedevice, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the back panel of the inventive presentation capturedevice, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the inventive presentationcapture device, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the inventive presentationcapture device receiving analog content video and analog content audio,according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the inventive presentationcapture device receiving digital content video and analog content audio,according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the inventive presentationcapture device receiving digital content video and digital contentaudio, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for simultaneously capturingand routing presentation media, according to an illustrative embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps for the method shownin FIG. 8, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrative a method for switching inputconfigurations of a presentation capture device, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps for the methodshown in FIG. 10, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWING

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   -   10 presentation capture device    -   20 front panel (p/o presentation capture device 20)    -   30 back panel (p/o presentation capture device 30)    -   50 first configuration    -   60 second configuration    -   70 third configuration    -   101 lecturer    -   102 computer    -   103 High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connection    -   104 wireless microphone    -   105 video camera    -   106 digital sink    -   107 Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick    -   108 ethernet connection    -   201 a record button    -   201 b pause button    -   201 c stop button    -   201 d navigational button    -   202 display    -   203 recording indicator LED    -   204 audio level indicator    -   205 USB output    -   301 remote control interface    -   302 network interface    -   303 digital content input    -   304 analog video input    -   305 audio input    -   306 camera input    -   307 digital content output    -   308 analog video output    -   309 audio ouput    -   310 microphone input    -   401 digital content input channel    -   402 analog video input channel    -   403 analog audio input channel    -   404 camera input channel    -   405 microphone input channel    -   406 analog video output channel    -   407 digital content output channel    -   408 capture output channel    -   409 analog audio output channel    -   410 first video switch    -   411 video processor    -   412 codec    -   413 digital signal processor    -   414 audio mixer    -   415 audio switch    -   416 second video switch    -   417 digital content transmitter    -   801 (step of) receiving content video    -   802 (step of) determining source    -   803 (step of) automatically routing analog video input channel    -   804 (step of) automatically routing digital content input        channel    -   805 (step of) capturing codec output    -   806 (step of) displaying codec output or second video switch        output    -   901 (step of) receiving content audio and content video    -   902 (step of) determining source of content audio    -   903 (step of) automatically routing analog audio input channel    -   904 (step of) determining source of content audio    -   905 (step of) automatically routing analog audio input channel    -   906 (step of) automatically routing digital content input        channel    -   1001 (step of) receiving content video from analog video source    -   1002 (step of) determining video not from digital content input        channel    -   1003 (step of) automatically routing analog video input channel    -   1004 (step of) capturing and transmitting combination including        content video    -   1005 (step of) switching to receiving content video from digital        video source    -   1006 (step of) determining video from digital content input        channel    -   1007 (step of) automatically routing digital content input        channel    -   1008 (step of) capturing and transmitting combination including        content video    -   1101 (step of) receiving content video and content audio from        analog sources    -   1102 (step of) determining video not from digital content input        channel    -   1103 (step of) automatically routing analog video input channel    -   1104 (step of) determining audio not from digital content input        channel    -   1105 (step of) automatically routing analog audio input channel    -   1106 (step of) capturing and transmitting combination including        content video and content audio    -   1107 (step of) switching to receiving content video and content        audio from digital content source    -   1108 (step of) determining video from digital content input        channel    -   1109 (step of) automatically routing digital content input        channel    -   1110 (step of) determining audio from digital content input        channel    -   1111 (step of) automatically routing digital content input        channel    -   1112 (step of) capturing and transmitting combination including        content video and content audio

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to presentation capture device forrecording and distributing audio and video from one or more contentsources and audio and video of a presenter. More particularly, theinvention relates to a presentation capture device for capturing audioand video from content sources and a presenter as well as automaticallydetecting input source and distributing content audio and video to adigital sink, accordingly.

FIG. 1 shows the inventive presentation capture device 10 in operationduring a classroom lecture, according to an embodiment of the invention.The presentation capture device 10 is configured for simultaneouslyrecording content video, content audio, presenter video and presenteraudio from a presentation. While the inventive presentation capturedevice 10 is described throughout as capturing a lecture from a lecturer101 in a classroom environment, a presentation may be any type ofmultimedia presentation. For example, the presentation capture device 10may be capturing information from a corporate board meeting, a salespresentation or any other presentation that includes some combination ofcontent audio, content video, presenter video and presenter audio.

Content video and content audio refer to audio visual (AV) media used bythe presenter during the presentation and may be received as a digitalsignal or an analog signal. For example, content video may be a powerpoint slideshow received from a computer. Content audio may be audioaccompanying the PowerPoint slideshow.

Presenter video and presenter audio refer to AV media of the presenteror audience during the presentation. For example, presenter audio may bethe audio of a professor's lecture received from the presentationcapture device from a wireless microphone. Presenter video may be videoof the presenter recorded during the lecture. In another example,presenter audio may also include questions asked by students in theaudience of the lecture and presenter video may include a video of thestudent asking the question.

The inventive presentation capture device as shown in FIG. 1 isreceiving content video and content audio from a digital content source,such as a computer 102, via a high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) connection 103. Additionally, the presentation capture device isreceiving audio from and video of the lecturer 101 via a wirelessmicrophone 104 and a video camera 105, respectively.

The presentation capture device 10 is configured to simultaneouslyrecord the content video, content audio, presenter audio and presentervideo to a compressed audio-visual format. The presentation capturedevice 10 mixes the content audio and presenter audio and combines thepresenter video and content video, such as by positioning the presentervideo as a picture-by-picture (PBP) window or a picture in picture (PIP)window.

The presentation capture device 10 combines the audio and video as acompressed AV stream and outputs the compressed AV stream for capture(stored locally and uploaded to a server for archiving and on demandplayback) or live streaming (transmitted as an AV stream over Ethernet).For example, the presentation capture device 10 may output thecompressed AV stream for storage on a USB memory stick 107 which thelecturer may take with him. Alternatively, the presentation capturedevice 10 may transmit the compressed AV stream on a network for remotestorage. Additionally, the presentation capture device 10 may output thecompressed AV stream to a media server for live streaming over anetwork.

Additionally, the presentation capture device 10 processes anddistributes a combination of content audio, content video, presenteraudio and presenter video to a digital sink 106 for display during thelecture. For example, the presentation capture device 10 may transmitcontent audio and content video to a television with embedded speakers.The presentation capture device 10 may also transmit combined video ofthe content video and presenter video as well as combined audio of thecontent audio and presenter audio to a digital sink 106. Advantageously,the presentation capture device 10 is configured to detect the sourcetype of incoming content audio and content video and automaticallydistribute the appropriate sources to a digital sink without requiringuser interaction with the device, such as selecting a source.

FIG. 2 shows a front panel 20 of the inventive presentation capturedevice 10, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Thepresentation capture device 10 may be operated with control buttonsdisposed on the front panel 20. For example, the front panel 20comprises a stop button 201 a, a record button 201 b, a pause button 201c, and a navigational button 201 d. The front panel 20 further comprisesa color display 202 for displaying information such as a runtime statusand control and setup menus, as well as feedback components such as arecording indicator LED 203 and an audio level indicator 204 forproviding immediate feedback as to the recording status of the device.

A USB output 205 is disposed on the front panel of the inventivepresentation capture device for receiving a USB memory stick. Thepresentation capture device outputs the combination of content audio,content video, presenter audio and presenter video to the USB memorystick via the USB output. Advantageously, the lecturer is provided witha recording of the captured lecture on the USB memory stick when thelecture has ended.

FIG. 3 shows a back panel of the inventive presentation capture device10, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Thepresentation capture device 10 further comprises a remote controlinterface 301 for communicating with a remote control device. Inaddition to the control buttons disposed on the front panel 20, theinventive lecture capture device is configured to be controlled by aremote control. For example, the remote control device may be a TPS-6Isys touchpanel or a TPMC-4SM touchpanel that are available fromCrestron Electronics, Inc. of Rockleigh N.J.

The back panel 30 also comprises a network interface 302 forcommunicating on a network. The presentation capture device 10 isconfigured to transmit and receive information from a network, such as alocal area network (LAN) or the world wide web, via the networkinterface 302. Advantageously, the presentation capture device 10 may beremotely controlled from a computer on the network executing a softwareprogram as either a locally stored program or in an internet browser.The software may be Roomview software that is available from CrestronElectronics, Inc. of Rockleigh N.J. Additionally, the presentationcapture device 10 may send information to the network. For example, thepresentation capture device 10 may transmit the compressed AV stream ofthe captured lecture for storage or streaming on the network and mayalso transmit status information to the network.

The back panel 30 further comprises multiple inputs for receiving videoand audio. A digital content input 303 is configured for receiving acable from a digital content source transmitting digital content videoand digital content audio as a digital data stream. For example, thedigital content input may an HDMI input, a DisplayPort input or a DVIinput.

An analog video input 304 is configured for receiving a cable from ananalog video source transmitting analog content video. For example theanalog video input 304 may be a red green blue horizontal sync verticalsync (RGBHV) input port configured for receiving a analog componentvideo signal comprising video in RGBHV, RGBs, RGsB or YUV format.

An audio input 305 is configured to receive a cable from an analog audiosource transmitting analog content audio. For example, the audio input305 may be an audio jack configured to receive 2 channels of analogaudio.

A camera input 306 is configured to receive a cable from a camerasource, such as a video camera, transmitting presenter video. Forexample, the camera input may be an RCA jack configured for receivingcomposite video from a video camera.

A microphone input 310 is configured to receive an input connector froma microphone transmitting presenter audio. For example, the microphoneinput 310 may be a TRS connector port configured to receive a TRSconnector jack from a microphone. In another embodiment the TRSconnector jack may receive audio from a wireless microphone receiver.The wireless microphone receiver may comprise an RF transceiver forreceiving a digital RF signal from a wireless microphone 104 comprisingcontent audio and transmit a corresponding analog audio signal receivedvia the TRS connector jack.

The back panel 30 further comprises multiple outputs for transmittingvideo and audio. A digital content output 307 is configured forreceiving a cable for transmitting content video and content audio as adigital data stream to a digital content sink, such as over an HDMIconnection, DVI connection or DisplayPort connection. For example, thedigital content output 307 may be transmitting digital video and digitalaudio to a television with embedded speakers. Further the presentationcapture device 10 may transmit a combination of digital content video,digital presenter video, digital content audio, and digital presenteraudio to a digital data sink via a digital content output, such as anHDMI connection.

An analog video output 308 is configured for receiving a cable fortransmitting analog content video to an analog video sink. For examplethe analog video output 308 may be a red green blue horizontal syncvertical sync (RGBHV) output port configured for transmitting an analogcomponent video signal comprising content video in RGBHV, RGBs, RGsB orYUV format.

An analog audio output 309 is configured to receive a cable fortransmitting both presenter and content analog audio to an analog audiosink. For example, the audio output 309 may be an audio jack configuredto transmit presenter audio to a speaker via a speaker cable.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the inventive presentationcapture device according to an embodiment of the invention. Thepresentation capture device 10 comprises a digital content input channel401, an analog video input channel 402, an analog audio input channel403, a camera input channel 404 and a microphone input channel 405. Thepresentation capture device 10 further comprises an analog video outputchannel 406, a digital content output channel 407, and an analog audiooutput channel 409.

The presentation capture device 10 is configured to capture apresentation by simultaneously recording a combination of content video,content audio and presenter audio. The presentation capture device 10receives content video through the digital content input channel 401 orthe analog video input channel 402. Both the digital content inputchannel 401 and the analog video input channel 402 transmit contentvideo to a first video switch 410. The first video switch 410 isconfigured to convert analog video to digital video if received from theanalog video input channel and transmit the content video from eitherinput channel to a video processor 411. The video processor 411 isconfigured to scale the content video according to requirements of thecompressed AV format that will be recorded or streamed. The videoprocessor 411 is configured to transmit the content video to a codec 412for further processing.

The presentation capture device 10 receives presenter audio at themicrophone input channel 405. The presenter audio is processed at adigital signal processor 413 which is configured to process the audioand equalize the level. The presenter audio is transmitted to an audiomixer 414 which is configured to route audio to the codec 412 forfurther processing.

The presentation capture device 10 may also receive content audio fromthe digital content input channel 401 or the analog audio input channel403. The first video switch 410 is further configured for extracting thecontent audio from the content video received at the digital contentinput channel 401. An audio switch 415 is configured for receivingcontent audio from the digital content input channel 401 and the analogaudio input channel 403. The audio switch 415 routes the receivedcontent audio to the audio mixer 414. The audio mixer 414 is furtherconfigured to mix the content audio with the presenter audio andtransmit the combined presenter and content audio to the codec 412.

In a further embodiment, the presentation capture device 10 isconfigured to capture presenter video and incorporate it as part of thecaptured lecture. A camera input channel 404 receives presenter videofrom a camera source such as a video camera. The video processor 411 isfurther configured to receive the presenter video from the camera inputchannel 404 and convert it from analog to digital. The video processor411 then combines the presenter video with the content video by eitherinserting it as a PIP window or as a PBP window. The combined videostream is transmitted to the codec 412.

The codec 412 is configured to receive a combination of content video,content audio, presenter video and presenter audio from the videoprocesser and from the audio mixer. The codec 412 is configured toencode the combination of content video, content audio, presenter videoand presenter audio in a compressed AV format as a digital data stream.The digital data stream from the codec 412 may be output to a USB output205 or a network interface 302.

The presentation capture device 10 is further configured to distribute acombination of content video, presenter video, content audio andpresenter audio to one or more local sinks via output channels.Specifically, the presentation capture device 10 further comprises adigital content output channel 407, digital content transmitter 417 anda second video switch 416. The second video switch 416 is configured forreceiving an output from the first video switch 410 and an output fromthe codec 412. According to user preference, the second video switch 416routes either of these outputs to the digital content transmitter 417.The digital content transmitter 417 is configured to receive video fromthe second video switch 416 and transmit said video to a digital sinkvia the digital content output channel 407. Additionally, if the videoreceived from the first video switch 410 is output from the first videoswitch 410 and not the codec 412, the digital content transmitter 417may combine the audio from the audio mixer 414 to the digital datastream, according to user preference. Finally, the presentation capturedevice 10 may transmit the output of the codec 412 via the digitalcontent output channel 407. For example, the output of the codec 412 maybe transmitted to a confidence monitor providing the lecturer withvisual feedback of the combined video stream such as by allowing him toview whether he is in the field of view of the video camera or if a PIPwindow is blocking important underlying content.

Advantageously, the presentation capture device 10 is configured toautomatically detect an input configuration of content sources anddistribute an appropriate combination content video and content audio toa digital content output channel 407 without user interaction.Specifically, the first video switch 410 is configured to automaticallydetect the input configuration by detecting a source type of the contentvideo and route the corresponding input channel accordingly. Similarlythe audio switch 415 is configured to detect whether it is receivingcontent audio from the first video switch 410 and route the appropriateinput channel.

The first video switch 410 may receive content in one of threeconfigurations. Depending on the configuration, the first video switch410 and audio switch 415 automatically route an optimal combination ofinput channels to the codec 412 (via the video processor 411) and thedigital content output channel 407 (via the second video switch 416 andthe digital content transmitter 417) without the user having to selectthe source.

FIG. 5 shows the presentation capture device configured in a firstconfiguration, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.In the first configuration, the presentation capture device 10 isreceiving analog content video from the analog video input channel 402and the audio switch 415 is receiving analog content audio from theanalog audio input channel 403. The first video switch 410 determinesthat the content video is not being received from the digital contentinput channel and converts the analog content video to digital andautomatically routes the analog video input channel 402 to the videoprocessor 411 and the second video switch 416 without the user having toselect a video source. Additionally, the audio switch 415 determinesthat it is receiving content audio from the audio input channel 403 andnot extracted audio from the first video switch 410. The audio switchmay make this determination by detecting a lack of audio packets in thedigital stream. Accordingly, the audio switch 415 automatically routesthe content audio to the audio mixer 414 without the user having toselect an audio source.

FIG. 6 shows the presentation capture device configured in a secondconfiguration, according to an illustrative embodiment. In the secondconfiguration, the presentation capture device 10 is receiving digitalcontent video via the digital content input channel 401 and analogcontent audio via the analog audio input channel 403. The first videoswitch 410 is configured to determine that content video is receivedfrom the digital content input channel 401 and automatically routes thedigital content input channel 401 to the video processor 411 and secondvideo switch 416 without the user having to select a video source.Similarly, the audio switch 415 determines that it is receiving contentaudio from the audio input channel and not from the first video switch410. The audio switch may make this determination by detecting a lack ofaudio packets in the digital stream. Accordingly, the audio switch 415automatically routes the analog audio input channel 403 to the audiomixer 414 without the user having to select an audio source.

FIG. 7 shows the presentation capture device configured in a thirdconfiguration, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.In the third configuration, the presentation capture is receivingdigital content video and digital content audio from the digital contentinput channel 401. The first video switch 410 is configured to determinethat it is receiving content video and content audio as a combineddigital data stream from the digital content input channel 401. Thefirst video switch 410 extracts the content audio from the combineddigital data stream and automatically routes the digital content inputchannel 401 to the video processor 411 and codec 412. The audio switch415 is configured to determine that it is receiving content audio fromthe first video switch 410 and automatically routes the audio from thedigital content input channel 401 to the audio mixer 414. The audioswitch may make this determination by detecting presence of audiopackets in the digital stream.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for simultaneously capturingand routing presentation media, according to an illustrative embodimentof the invention. In step 801, the presentation capture device 10receives content video. In step 802, the first video switch 410determines if the content video is received at a digital content inputchannel 401. If the content video is not received from the digitalcontent input channel 401, in step 803, the first video switch 410automatically routes the analog video input channel 402 to the secondvideo switch 416 and the video processor 411 without the user having toselect a video source. If the content video is received at the digitalcontent input channel 401, in step 804, the first video switch 410automatically routes the digital content input channel 401 to the secondvideo switch 416 and the video processor 411. In step 805, the videoprocessor 411 transmits a scaled video to the codec 412 for capture. Instep 806, the second video switch 416 routes either the output from thefirst video switch 410 or the output of the codec 412 to the digitalcontent transmitter 417 for output via the digital content outputchannel 407.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps for the method shownin FIG. 8, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Inthe method shown in FIG. 9, the presentation capture device 10 receivescontent audio and content video in step 901. If the first video switch410 determines in step 802 that the content video is received from theanalog input channel, the method proceeds to step 902, wherein the audioswitch 415 determines whether the content audio is extracted by thefirst video switch 410 from a digital data stream. If the audio switch415 determines that the content audio is not received from the firstvideo switch 410, in step 903, the audio switch 415 automatically routesthe analog audio input channel 403 to the codec 412 and the digitalcontent output channel 407 via the audio mixer 414 and digital contenttransmitter 417.

If the first video switch 410 determines in step 802 that the contentvideo is received from the digital content input channel 401, the methodproceeds to step 904, wherein the audio switch 415 determines whetherthe content audio has been extracted by the first video switch 410 froma digital data stream and transmitted to the audio switch by the videoswitch. If the audio switch 415 determines that the content audio is notreceived from the first video switch 410, in step 905, the audio switch415 automatically routes the analog audio input channel 403 to the codec412 and the digital content output channel 407 via the audio mixer 414and digital content transmitter 417. If the audio switch 415 determinesthat the content audio is received from the first video switch 410, instep 906, the audio switch 415 automatically routes the analog audioinput channel 403 to the codec 412 and the digital content outputchannel 407 via the audio mixer 414 and digital content transmitter 417.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching inputconfigurations of a presentation capture device, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention. In step 1001, the presentationcapture device 10 receives content video from an analog video source. Instep 1002, the first video switch 410 determines that the content videois not being received from the digital content input channel 401. Instep 1003, the analog video input channel 402 is automatically routed tothe codec 412 and the digital content output channel 407 via the videoprocessor 411 and the second switch and digital content transmitter 417,respectively. In step 1004, a combination of content video, contentaudio, presenter video and presenter audio is captured as an output ofthe codec 412 and transmitted via the digital content output channel 407as either an output of the codec 412 or an output of the second switch.

In step 1005, the presentation capture device 10 begins receivingcontent video from a digital video source instead. In step 1006, thefirst video switch 410 determines that the content video is beingreceived from the digital content input channel 401. In step 1007, thedigital content input channel 401 is automatically routed to the codec412 and the digital content output channel 407 via the video processor411 and the second switch and digital content transmitter 417,respectively. In step 1008, a combination of content video, contentaudio, presenter video and presenter audio is captured as an output ofthe codec 412 and transmitted via the digital content output channel 407as either an output of the codec 412 or an output of the second switch.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps for the methodshown in FIG. 10, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. In step 1101, the presentation capture device 10 receivescontent video and content audio from an analog video source and ananalog audio source. In step 1102, the first video switch 410 determinesthat the content video is not being received from the digital contentinput channel 401. In step 1103, the analog video input channel 402 isautomatically routed to the codec 412 and the digital content outputchannel 407 via the video processor 411 and the second switch anddigital content transmitter 417, respectively. In step 1104, the audioswitch 415 determines that the audio is not received from the firstvideo switch 410. In step 1105, the analog audio input channel 403 isautomatically routed to the codec 412 and the digital contenttransmitter 417 via the audio mixer 414. In step 1106, a combination ofcontent video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio iscaptured as an output of the codec 412 and transmitted via the digitalcontent output channel 407 as either an output of the codec 412 or anoutput of the second switch and the audio mixer 414.

In step 1107, the presentation capture device 10 begins receivingcontent video and content audio from a digital content source instead.In step 1108, the first video switch 410 determines that the contentvideo is being received from the digital content input channel 401. Instep 1109, the digital content input channel 401 is automatically routedto the codec 412 and the digital content output channel 407 via thevideo processor 411 and the second switch and digital contenttransmitter 417, respectively. In step 1110, the audio switch 415determines that the audio is being received from the first video switch410. In step 1111, the digital content input channel 401 isautomatically routed to the codec 412 and the digital contenttransmitter 417 via the audio mixer 414. In step 1112, a combination ofcontent video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio iscaptured as an output of the codec 412 and transmitted via the digitalcontent output channel 407 as either an output of the codec 412 or anoutput of the second switch and the audio mixer 414.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention is a uniquedevice configured for simultaneously capturing a combination of contentvideo, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio is for storageor streaming as well as for distributing to a digital sink.

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

AV audio-visual

HDMI high-definition multimedia interface

LAN local area network

PBP picture-by-picture

PIP picture-in-picture

RF radio frequency

RGB red green blue

RGBHV red green blue horizontal sync vertical sync

USB universal serial bus

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. For example, the presentation capturedevice 10 could be equipped with an RF transceiver for communicatingwirelessly with a network.

1. A presentation capture device for capturing content audio, contentvideo, presenter audio and presenter video, the presentation capturedevice comprising: (a) an analog video input channel configured forreceiving an analog video signal comprising content video; (b) a digitalcontent input channel configured for receiving a digital video datastream comprising content video and a digital data stream comprisingcontent video and content audio; (c) an analog audio input channelconfigured for receiving an analog audio signal comprising contentaudio; (d) a microphone input channel configured for receiving an analogaudio signal comprising presenter audio; (e) a capture output channelconfigured for transmitting a digital data stream comprising acombination of content video, content audio and presenter audio; (f) adigital content output channel configured for transmitting a digitaldata stream comprising a combination of content video, content audio andpresenter audio to a local sink; and (g) wherein the presentationcapture device is configured for (i) simultaneously recording acombination of content video, content audio and presenter audio andoutputting the combination of captured content video, content audio andpresenter audio as a digital data stream in a compressed AV format, and(ii) detecting the source of the content audio and content video andautomatically routing a predetermined combination of input channels tothe digital content output channel.
 2. The presentation capture deviceof claim 1 wherein: (a) the analog video input channel and analog videooutput channel are automatically routed to the digital content outputchannel when the presentation capture device detects that the digitalcontent input channel is inactive; (b) the digital content input channeland the analog audio input channel are automatically routed to thedigital content output channel when the presentation capture devicedetects that the digital content input channel is receiving a digitalvideo data stream comprising content video; and (c) the digital contentinput channel is routed to the digital content output channel when thepresentation capture device detects that the digital content inputchannel is receiving a digital data stream comprising content video andcontent audio.
 3. The presentation capture device of claim 2 furthercomprising: (a) a first video switch coupled to the analog video inputchannel and the digital content input channel and configured for (i)converting content video received from the analog video input channelfrom analog to digital, (ii) extracting content audio from a digitaldata stream received from the digital content input channel, (iii)determining the source of the content video, and (iv) automaticallyrouting a predetermined input channel to the digital content outputchannel and capture output channel according to the source of thecontent video; and (b) an audio switch configured for (i) receivingcontent audio from the audio input channel and the first video switch,(ii) determining the source of the content audio, and (iii)automatically routing a predetermined input channel to the digitalcontent output channel and capture output channel according to thesource of the content audio.
 4. The presentation capture device of claim3 wherein the capture output channel further comprises a codecconfigured for receiving a combination of content video, content audioand presenter audio and combining said combination as a digital datastream in a compressed AV format.
 5. The presentation capture device ofclaim 4 further comprising: (a) a camera input channel configured forreceiving a signal comprising presenter video; (b) a scaling engineconfigured for combining the presenter video with the content video in asingle combined video stream; and (c) wherein the codec is furtherconfigured for receiving a combination of content video, content audio,presenter video and presenter audio and combining said combination as adigital data stream in a compressed AV format.
 6. The presentationcapture device of claim 4 wherein the digital content output channelfurther comprises (a) a second video switch configured for receiving anoutput from the first video switch and an output from the codec; and (b)a digital content transmitter configured for receiving from the secondvideo switch either the output from the first video switch or the outputfrom the codec.
 7. The presentation capture device of claim 6 whereinthe digital content output channel transmits the combination of contentaudio, content video, presenter audio and presenter video to aconfidence monitor.
 8. The presentation capture device of claim 1wherein the microphone input channel further comprises an RF transceiverconfigured to receive a digital RF signal from a wireless microphone andoutput a corresponding analog audio signal.
 9. The presentation capturedevice of claim 1 wherein the capture output channel is a universalserial bus (USB) output channel configured for outputting the digitaldata stream for storage on a USB memory stick.
 10. The presentationcapture device of claim 1 wherein the capture output channel is anetwork interface configured for outputting the digital data stream to anetwork.
 11. The presentation capture device of claim 10 wherein thenetwork interface is further configured for communicatingbi-directionally with a network.
 12. The presentation capture device ofclaim 1 wherein the presentation capture device further comprises aremote control interface for communicating with a remote control device.13. The presentation capture device of claim 1 wherein the digitalcontent input channel is an HDMI input channel.
 14. The presentationcapture device of claim 1 wherein the digital content output channel isan HDMI output channel.
 15. A presentation capture device for capturingcontent audio, content video, presenter audio and presenter video, thepresentation capture device comprising: (a) an analog video inputchannel configured for receiving an analog video signal comprisingcontent video and transmitting said analog video signal to a first videoswitch; (b) a digital content input channel configured for receiving adigital video data stream comprising content video and a digital datastream comprising content video and content audio and transmitting saiddigital data stream to the first video switch; (c) an analog audio inputchannel configured for receiving an analog audio signal comprisingcontent audio and transmitting said analog audio signal to an audioswitch; (d) a microphone input channel configured for receiving ananalog audio signal comprising presenter audio, processing the analogaudio signal and transmitting the analog audio signal to an audio mixer;(e) a capture output channel configured for transmitting a digital datastream comprising a combination of content video, content audio andpresenter audio and further comprising a codec for receiving thecombination of content video, content audio and presenter audio andcombining said combination in a digital data stream in a compressed AVformat; (f) a digital content output channel configured for transmittinga digital data stream comprising a combination of content video, contentaudio and presenter audio to a local sink; (g) a first video switchconfigured for receiving content video, determining a source inputchannel of the content video, extracting content audio from a digitaldata stream and transmitting to an audio switch, and automaticallyrouting a predetermined input channel depending on the source inputchannel of the content video and wherein (i) the analog video inputchannel and analog video output channel are automatically routed to thedigital content output channel and the capture output channel when thepresentation capture device detects that the digital content inputchannel is inactive, (ii) the digital content input channel and theanalog audio input channel are automatically routed to the digitalcontent output channel and the capture output channel when thepresentation capture device detects that the digital content inputchannel is receiving a digital video data stream comprising contentvideo, and (iii) the digital content input channel is routed to thedigital content output channel and the capture output channel when thepresentation capture device detects that the digital content inputchannel is receiving a digital data stream comprising content video andcontent audio; and (h) the audio switch configured for receiving contentaudio, determining a source input channel of the content audio, andautomatically routing a predetermined input channel to the digitalcontent output channel and capture output channel according to thesource of the content audio, wherein (i) the analog audio input channelis automatically routed to the digital content output channel and thecapture output channel when the audio switch determines that the contentaudio is not received from the first video switch, and (ii) the digitalcontent input channel is automatically routed to the digital contentoutput channel and the capture output channel when the audio switchdetermines that the content audio is received from the first videoswitch.
 16. A method for method for simultaneously capturing and routingpresentation media comprising the steps of: (a) receiving content videoat a first video switch from either an analog video input channel or adigital content input channel; (b) determining if the digital contentinput channel is the source of the of the content video; (c)automatically routing the analog video input channel to a second videoswitch and a codec if the digital content input channel is not thesource of the content video; (d) automatically routing the digitalcontent input channel to the second video switch and the codec if thedigital content input channel is the source of the content video; (e)transmitting an output of the codec comprising the content video to acapture output channel and the second video switch; and (f) routingeither the output of the first video switch or the output of the codecto a display via a digital content output channel.
 17. The method ofclaim 16 further comprising the steps of: (a) receiving content audio atan audio switch from either an analog audio input or the first videoswitch; (b) determining if the content audio is received from the firstvideo switch; (c) automatically routing the analog audio input to thecodec and an audio mixer if the video switch is not the source of thecontent audio; (d) automatically routing the digital content inputchannel to the codec and the audio mixer if the video switch is thesource of the content audio; and (e) wherein the output of the codecfurther comprises content audio and the step of routing either theoutput of the first video switch or the output of the codec to a displayvia a digital content output channel further comprises combining anoutput of the audio mixer with the output of the first video switch in adigital data stream if the output of the first video switch is routedvia the digital content output channel.
 18. A method for switching inputconfiguration of a presentation capture device comprising the steps of:(a) receiving content video from an analog video input channel at afirst video switch; (b) determining that the source of the content videois not a digital content input channel; (c) automatically routing theanalog video input channel to a codec and a digital content outputchannel; (d) capturing the output of the codec comprising the contentvideo and displaying the output of the digital content output channel;(e) switch to receiving content video from the digital content inputchannel at the first video switch; (f) determining that the source ofthe content video is the digital content input channel; and (g)automatically routing the digital content input channel to the codec andthe digital content output channel.
 19. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising the steps of: (a) receiving content audio from an analogaudio source; (b) determining that the source of the content audio isnot from the digital content input channel via the first video switch;(c) automatically routing the analog audio input channel to the codecand the digital content output channel; (d) switch to receiving contentaudio from the digital content input channel via the first video switch;(e) determining that the source of the content audio is the digitalcontent input channel via the first video switch; (f) automaticallyrouting the digital content input channel to the codec and digitalcontent output channel; and (g) wherein the output of the codec and thedigital content output channel further comprises content audio.